General Dentistry Abroad

A dental consultation is a thorough examination of the teeth and surrounding soft tissues, such as the gums. The dentist generally uses a steel instrument with a flexible but sharp point, called an explorer, to probe the tooth surfaces for signs of demineralisation and possible signs of caries. Fillings are always inspected, because new caries can develop around older fillings. An X-ray of the teeth is usually taken. The examination should include inspection of the floor of the mouth, plus all surfaces of the tongue.

Forest & Ray offer a dental consultation free of charge. The consultation includes an oral examination, treatment plan, price quotation and dental hygiene advice.

Treatment fees

A radiographic image is formed by a controlled burst of X-ray radiation (low level), which penetrates oral structures to varying depths, depending on varying anatomical densities, before striking the film or sensor. Teeth appear lighter because less radiation penetrates them before reaching the film. Dental caries, tooth decay, infections and other changes in the bone density and the periodontal ligament appear darker because X-rays readily penetrate these less dense structures. Dental restorations (fillings, crowns) may appear lighter or darker, depending on the density of the material used.

Treatment fees

First of all, the dentist will anaesthetise the area around the tooth to be filled with a local anaesthetic. Next, either a drill, an air abrasion instrument or a laser will be used to remove the decayed area of the tooth. The choice of instrument depends on the individual dentist's judgement and training, and the availability of the equipment. The other factors in the dentist’s choice are the location and extent of the decay.

Your dentist will probe or test the area during the decay removal process to determine if all the decay has been removed. Once all the decayed matter has been removed, your dentist will prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of any bacteria and debris. If the decay is near the root, your dentist may first line the cavity with glass ionomer, composite resin, or other neutral material, in order to protect the nerve. Generally, after the filling is inserted, your dentist will finish and polish it.

For tooth-coloured fillings, several additional steps are required, as follows. After your dentist has removed the decay and cleaned the area, the tooth-coloured material is applied and built up in layers. Next, a special light that "cures" or hardens each layer is applied. When the multi-layering process is completed, your dentist will shape the composite material to the desired form, trim off any excess material, and polish the final restoration.

Treatment fees

So that you don't feel any pain during or immediately after the procedure, your dentist will give an injection of local anaesthetic into your mouth, which completely blocks feeling from the area.

After the anaesthetic has taken effect, your dentist will widen the socket (the area your tooth sits in), using a tool called an elevator or a pair of special forceps. He will then gently move the tooth from side to side until it is loose enough to be removed completely. During the procedure you will feel some pressure in your mouth and hear some noise. You should not feel any pain.

In more difficult and rarer cases, your dentist may not be able to reach the root of your tooth, so he will make small cuts in your gum. If necessary, he can then drill away some of the bone, so that the tooth root can be removed.

Treatment fees

Practice plan